Yemen condemns the abduction of UN agency staff and local and international organizations by Houthi militias.

The Yemeni government has expressed strong condemnation of the Houthi militia’s recent kidnapping of 13 United Nations employees and staff from international and local non-governmental organizations in Sana’a. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of humanitarian workers in the region.

Violations of International Humanitarian Law

In a statement received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the continued arrests represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. The ministry stated that these actions pose a significant threat to the lives and security of the affected employees.

Ongoing Human Rights Abuses

The statement further noted that the Houthi militia employs punitive measures against the Yemeni people and anyone attempting to assist them. The militia’s practices of kidnapping, killing, and displacement have escalated, affecting women, children, journalists, and patients. Notably, employees of international organizations providing aid to the Yemeni population have also fallen victim to these actions.

Call for Immediate Action

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged an end to these ongoing violations and called for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained last Thursday, as well as individuals kidnapped since 2021 and 2024. The government has warned for years about the dangers of ignoring Houthi violations and the extortion tactics they employ against humanitarian organizations.

Houthi Tactics and Humanitarian Impact

The ministry highlighted that the Houthis aim to exploit humanitarian workers as tools for extortion, using these tactics to further their illegal political agenda. This manipulation of humanitarian aid serves their security and military objectives, effectively turning areas under their control into large prisons for dissenters.

Request for Relocation of International Agencies

In light of these developments, the ministry reiterated its call for the United Nations and all international agencies to relocate their headquarters to the temporary capital, Aden. This move would ensure a safer and more conducive environment for organizations to operate and provide humanitarian services to all Yemenis without discrimination or obstacles.

The Yemeni government’s strong stance against the Houthi militia’s actions underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention to protect humanitarian workers and uphold human rights in the region.

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